Electorate: Algester

KAREN STRUTHERS
Labor (top)

ANTHONY SHORTEN
Liberal National (bottom)

GAVAN DUFFY
Katter’s Australian Party

JUSTIN KERR
Greens

Electorate analysis: Algester is located approximately 12 kilometres south of the city, covering Forest Lake, Larapinta and Algester itself to the north of the Logan Motorway, along with Forestdale and Boronia Heights to the south. The electorate was created in 2001 in place of Archerfield, which had been a safe Labor seat since its creation in 1972. Karen Struthers was elected to Archerfield in 1998 and added 12.5 per cent to the notional two-party margin in Algester at the 2001 election, before suffering a mild correction in 2004, a status quo result in 2006 and an 8.6 per cent swing in 2009. A member of the Left faction, Struthers has served in various parliamentary secretary positions since February 2004. A driving disqualification for drink driving in 2007 prompted Peter Beattie to indicate sshe would have to wait several years before being considered for further promotion, but she made it to cabinet after the 2009 election as Community Services and Housing Minister. The LNP has endorsed Brisbane City Council administration officer Anthony Shorten, who also ran in 2009.

Analysis written by William Bowe. Please direct corrections or comments to pollbludger-AT-crikey.com.au. Read William’s blog, The Poll Bludger.